I’ve never before thought of a desk as being decorative, especially if it’s my kids’ desks covered in snack wrappers and eraser shavings, but the more I see writing desks, the more in love I become with them.  Not only are the often beautiful pieces of furniture , but they are multi-functional, and I love, love, love furniture pieces that have more than one use, don’t you?

{via Susan Glick Interiors}
{via Susan Glick Interiors}

 

The type of writing desk that I’m referring to is one that doubles as a sofa table.  It’s different from having a desk in a home office because when used as a sofa table, the work area is part of the living space and central to the rest of the house.

{via Valorie Hart}
{via Valorie Hart}

 

When not in use, the desk acts as a sofa table holding decorative items and functional lighting.

{via Martha O'Hara Interiors}
{via Martha O’Hara Interiors}

 

{via Lisa Luby Ryan}
{via Lisa Luby Ryan}

 

These types of desks are smaller in scale with limited storage, so they are best suited for laptop work or a small writing area, but they provide maximum function in a minimal footprint, so they are ideal for apartments, lofts, or other small spaces.

{via HGTV}
{via HGTV}
{via Lauren Leonard Interiors}
{via Lauren Leonard Interiors}

 

 

Longer sofas can accommodate longer desks which would also be ideal as a kids work station for after school homework!

{Photographer Phillip K Erickson}
{Photographer Phillip K Erickson}

 

 

Depending on the size of the room, you can actually use a regular desk or table placed behind a sofa as well.  This is one of my favorite spaces I’ve come across and my dream for my living room layout!  {I just have to vault my ceiling, add planking, enlarge my windows….Lol!}

{via Houzz}
{via Houzz}

 

Also, changing out the type of desk chair used really changes the entire feel of the piece.  A larger chair makes the desk feel more like a functional desk, whereas small stools provide function but look more decorative when not in use.

Desk with Large Chair
{via Ballard Designs}
{via Orrick and Company}
{via Orrick and Company}

 

I came across a beautiful writing desk in a local consignment store a few months back at that time, intended to keep my baby grand piano in the living room and so there was no space for a desk.  Since then, I’ve decide that it’s time for the piano to go since {sadly} no one plays it and it’s taking up a lot of space in the room.  I currently write my blog at my kitchen table because I like to look around the entire house as I blog so that I feel connected to and inspired by my home.   Of course, come dinnertime, I’m always shoving my laptop to the side to set the table and worried that a glass of milk might spill and ruin the computer.  Perhaps it’s time for a writing desk!

I love this one from Stanley Furniture because the top opens up to create a larger surface, allowing it to double as a dining table.  This would be perfect for me to use year-round as a desk and during the holidays as a buffet or kids table.  I’m hoping I can find a table that functions similarly on Craigslist…

{Stanley Furniture European Farmhouse Split Top Valet}
{Stanley Furniture European Farmhouse Split Top Valet}

 

Not only would a writing desk be functional and pretty, but it would give me an excuse to buy another beautiful vintage chair!  {Although, since I have a slight obsession with vintage chairs, I don’t really need another excuse to buy one…}

{via Pinterest}
{via Pinterest}

 

Even a sofa table that’s not intended for use as a desk will work so long as the height is right for a work surface {and of course for the height of the chair that you pair with it}.  Around 30″ tall, plus or minus, is fairly standard, so look for one that it about this height.  You’ll also need to make sure there isn’t a bar or shelf running lengthwise along the bottom that might interfere with pushing in a chair.

 

Off to search Craigslist now!
Tidbits&Twine - Signature

 

 

 

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TIDBITS-&-TWINE---Decorating-with-a-Writing-Desk

 

 

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14 Comments

  1. Hi! What else can you tell me about the one credited to Photographer Phillip K Erickson? What brand is it? I can’t find it on his site, and I WANT IT. Thanks!

  2. Bingo! This post is exactly what I needed today. We are building a house with a large great room and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out where to put a desk. thank you so much!

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Kathryn! I’m so glad that this post gave you some ideas! How fun {but I’m sure stressful at times} to be building a house! I’ve never lived in a house that we built, but I can imagine that the process of designing exactly what you want must be fantastic. How long do you have until you can move in?

  3. A good writing desk makes for the perfect spot to get work accomplished! Love all of your suggestions!!
    xo. Leslie
    Segreto Finishes

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Leslie – Thank you so much! Have a great weekend! :) Kim

  4. Kim,
    There are some great examples here. I did wonder about the height. The table that can be made larger is really great since it could double for a dining table or buffet table for a large crowd. I’ll be saving some of these to my file and pinning, of course.
    Karen

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Karen – My hope is that I can find one that will expand but I’m having the hardest time finding one at a price I like! :) Thanks you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and for pinning! Have a wonderful weekend. :) Kim

  5. KIM! You’ve truly outdone yourself .. In a GREAT & fantastic way! I have been struggling with what to put behind my couch as we have a HUGE livingroom with really high ceilings … I was “okay” with the idea of a console table but none of them were amazing or inexpensive enough for me to purchase … NOW I am going to run with this writing desk idea! Thank you! I’m sure my husband will thank you once I tell him that the writing desk will solve multiple problems and it’ll be less expensive!

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Yay! I’m so glad this post helped you with your dilemma. I really do love furniture pieces that are multi-functional because as you said, they solve multiple problems. Good luck with finding one you love!

  6. I love these, they are so perfect when used as you’ve shown in a living space. They look fabulous and definitely do the job.

    1. Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Marty – I’ve been looking on Craigslist every day but so far no luck. I’ve sometimes seen the kind that expands called a “flip top table” and sometimes a “split top table.” Do you know if there is an official name for them?

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